The Impact of Acute Trans-resveratrol Administration on Whole Body Metabolism During Cognitive Demand.

Background: Increased cerebral vaso-dilation during cognitive demand is hypothesised to improve cognitive performance due to an improved micronutrient status. Despite previous research demonstrating that oral resveratrol can modulate cerebral haemodynamics, this has not translated into expected improvements to cognitive performance in young, healthy populations. As the brain is the most metabolic organ in the body, even subtle changes to fuel utilization and overall energy expenditure are detectable during cognitive demand. The measurement of both overall energy expenditure and fuel utilization may provide further insight to the effects of resveratrol and whether oral supplementation of this polyphenol can provide clear, cognitive benefits in a young, healthy sample. Objectives: The current study investigated the metabolic consequences of resveratrol on whole body metabolism and fuel oxidisation during cognitive performance. Methods: This repeated measures, double blind, placebo controlled, balanced design required participants (N=24 for metabolic activity \& N=26 for cognitive outcomes) to complete a serial subtraction demand battery at baseline, 45 minutes, 2 and 3 hours following 500 mg, 250 mg trans-resveratrol or inert placebo, on three separate occasions whilst connected to an on-line gas analysis system.